Podcast: ARS Aquaculture Research
 [Time:  ~ 1:45]

The next time you bite into your favorite seafood dish, you may be surprised to know where it comes from. Half of the world’s seafood is produced by aquaculture. 
Hi I’m Sharon Durham with the Agricultural Research Service or A-R-S … the chief scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
Aquaculture is the captive rearing of aquatic organisms such as fish and shellfish. If you’ve purchased catfish or salmon that’s labeled “farm raised,” it means the fish has been grown in ponds or tanks and is a product of aquaculture. 
An increasing demand for seafood and its benefits is only one driving force for A-R-S research. Eating fish and shellfish is said to be good for your heart and brain – improving cardiovascular health in adults and neurological development in children. 
Because seafood taken from the ocean is already at sustainable levels, aquaculture is the key in satisfying consumers’ appetites.  A-R-S scientists throughout the U.S. are working with aquaculture industries by focusing on genetic improvement of fish, feeds and nutrition, animal health, production systems, and environmental impacts. 
They are researching alternatives to fishmeal, using vaccines and breeding programs to help improve fish survival … and developing production systems to reduce costs and improve profitability. 
Aquaculture research is just one of many ways A-R-S is working to ensure your food is delicious, nutritious, affordable, and safe.  
That’s our podcast for today.  For your next meal, consider a little food for thought – think seafood.